May 17, 2013

Written by

Rhoda Meador

Since 1963, the month of May has been designated Older Americans Month, a time set aside to recognize and appreciate the value of older people in our communities. This year’s theme, Unleash the Power of Age, is an appropriate way to characterize the contributions that many older people make as they teach others the skills they’ve refined over the years, support those in need or engage in civic matters.

There are now more Americans age 65 and older than at any other time in U.S. history, and most of the contributions they make are voluntary. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2012 volunteer rate for older adults was 26.5 percent, which represents a massive contribution to our social well-being.

Several local organizations provide support, opportunities and recognition for older people in order to maximize their ability to make these valuable contributions. Tompkins County Office for the Aging helps older people remain independent in their homes as long as is possible and appropriate, with a decent quality of life and human dignity. Lifelong of Ithaca administers the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which coordinates more than 400 volunteers who serve 50 local not-for-profits with thousands of hours of service annually.

The gifts that elders make to their families and communities are priceless, but, all too often, they are overlooked. In recognition of their service, Ilma Levine and Debbie Levin of Ithaca are being co-awarded the Tompkins County Office for the Aging “Outstanding Contribution by a Senior” award. Ilma and Deborah, who shared a mutual interest in providing hands-on science and experiential learning opportunities for under-served children, are fantastic examples of elders who make a difference in their communities. They began volunteering in an elementary school for 15 years, initially working out of their own station wagons, and eventually moving to a room which hosted science activities and a library of mice, hamsters and other animals.

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Over the years, they gathered community support and founded Ithaca’s Sciencenter in 1983, whose mission it is to inspire excitement for science through programs that engage, educate and empower. They coordinated thousands of volunteers to build exhibits, construct the museum building and offer field trips while at the same time emphasizing an enduring service to low income and minority children. Volunteering just shy of 50 years, Debbie and Ilma have collectively volunteered well over 200,000 hours in support of the youth of their community. When asked what motivates her, Ilma replies, “The satisfaction of doing something I liked to do and was useful to others.”

As you look ahead to the coming year, think about ways you can recognize elders like these and make additional efforts to Unleash the Power of Age in your community. It’s a “win-win” proposition because when we create opportunities for elders to share their many talents and engage in service to others, we also help them stay positive, active and vibrant.